Children Learn What They Live

Children Learn What They Live
By Dorothy Law Nolte

If children live with criticism,
  They learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility,
  They learn to fight.
If children live with ridicule,
  They learn to be shy.
If children live with shame,
  They learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement,
  They learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance,
  They learn to be patient.
If children live with praise,
  They learn to appreciate.
If children live with acceptance,
  They learn to love.
If children live with approval,
  They learn to like themselves.
If children live with honesty,
  They learn truthfulness.
If children live with security,
  They learn to have faith in them-
selves and others.
If children live with friendliness,
  They learn the world is a nice
place in which to live.

This is the author-approved short version. Organizations can order poem reprints for distribution use at $7 per 100 (check with Dorothy to confirm price). Please do not send cash. Mail requests and/or enquiries to Dorothy Nolte/BJK Triplet, North 921 Adams, Spokane, WA 99201, phone 509-326-7046.